the Wisdom of this World For after that in the Wisdom of God the World by Wisdom knew not God it pleased God by the Foolishness of Preaching to save them that believe 1 Cor. 1. 20 21. Q. It seems then the Preachings of the true Ministers are not gathered together by Wisdom and Learning It hath been supposed that a Man must be greatly skilled in Learning to make a good Sermon what is the Apostles Judgment in the Case A. For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel not with Wisdom of Words lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none Effect 1 Cor. 1. 17. And I was with you in Weakness and in Fear and in much Trembling and my Speech my Preaching was not with enticing Words of Man's VVisdom but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power that your Faith should not stand in the VVisdom of Men but in the Power of God 1 Cor. 2. 3 4 5. Q. I perceive the Apostle layes far more Stress upon the Demonstration and Power of the Spirit in a Preacher then upon human Literature ought Ministers then to preach as the Spirit teacheth them A. Also we speak not in the Words which Man's Wisdom teacheth but which the holy Ghost teacheth 2 Cor. 2. 13. And they were all fill'd with the holy Ghost and began to speak as the Spirit gave them Utterance Acts 2. 4. Q. Is it Christ then that speaketh in and through his Ministers A. For it is not ye that speak but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you Mat. 10. 20. For it is not ye that speak but the holy Ghost Mark 13. 11. For the holy Ghost shall teach you in the same Hour what ye ought to say Luke 12. 12. Since ye seek a Proof of Christ speaking in me which to you ward is not weak but is mighty in you 2 Cor. 13. 3. Q. What is the Apostle's Mind of that human Learning which some cry up so much and think so needful in a Minister A. Beware leâ—t any Man spoil you through Philosophy and vain Deceit after the Tradition of Men after the Rudiments of the World and not after Christ Col. 2. 8. O Timothy keep that which is committed to thy Trust avoiding prophane and vain Babling and Oppositions of Science falsly so called 1 Tim 6. 20. Q. Though true Ministers speak not by the natural Wisdom of Man yet is their Testimony altogether void of Wisdom A. Howbeit we speak Wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the Wisdom of this World nor of the Princes of this World that come to nought but we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the World to our Glory 1 Cor. 2. 6 7. Q. What is the Reason that Man by his natural Wisdom is not capable to minister in the Things of God A. For what Man knoweth the Things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man which is in him Even so the Things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God But the natlural Man receiveth not the Things of the Spirit of God for they are Foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 11 14. Q. These Scriptures do sufficiently hold forth that the true Call to the Ministry is from God that which maketh a true Minister is the Gift and Grace of God that the true and effectual Preaching of a faithful Minister is such as 〈◊〉 from the inward Teaching and Leading of the Spirit of God But what say the Scriptures touching the Maintenance of Ministers A. Let him that is taught in the VVord communicate unto him that teacheth in all good Things Gal. 6. 6. If we have sown unto you spiritual Things is it a great Matter if we shall â—eap your carnal Things If others be Partakers of this Power over you are not we rather Nevertheless we have not used this Power but suffer all Things lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ Do ye not know that they which minister about holy Things live of the Things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are Partakers with the Altar even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9. 11 12 13 14. For the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzle the Ox that treadeth out the Corn and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward 1 Tim. 5. 18. Q. I perceive by these Scriptures that there lyeth an Obligation upon the Saints to help with outward Things such as truly minister unto them spiritual but this seems to be voluntary ought not therefore true Ministers to preach whether they be sure of this or not What saith the Apostle of himself in this Case and what adviseth he others A. But I have used none of these Things neither have I written those Things that it should be so done unto me for it were better for me to dye then that any Man should make my Glorying void for though I preach the Gospel I have nothing to glory of for Necessity is laid upon me yea Wo is unto me if I preach not the Gospel For if I do this Thing willingly I have a Reward but if against my Will a Dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me what is my Reward then Verely that when I preach the Gospel I make the Gospel of Christ without Charge that I abuse not my Power in the Gospel 1 Cor. 9. 15 16 17 18. I have coveted no Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel yea ye your selves know that these Hands have ministred unto my Necessities and to them that were with me I have shewed you all Things how that so Laboâ—ring ye ought to support the Weak and to remember the Words of the Lord Jesus how he said It is more blessed to give then to receive Acts 20. 33 34 35. Q. It s observable that the Apostle every where makes special mention among the Qualifications of Teachers that they be not given to Filthy Luchre What ought we then to think of these Teachers as will not preach without Hire yea that will by Violence take from those who receive no Spirituals from them are they like to be the Ministers of Christ or what else saith the Scripture of such A. Yea they are greedy Dogs which can never have enough and they are Shepherds that cannot understand they all look to their own Way every one for his Gain from his Quarter Isa. 56. 11. Son of Man Prophesie against the Shepherds of Israel Prophesie and say unto them Thus saith the Lord God unto the Shepherds Wo be to the Shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves Should not the Shepherds feed the Flock Ye eat the Fat and ye cloath you with the Wool ye kill them that are fed but ye feed not the Flock As I live saith the Lord God Surely because my Flock became a Prey and my Flock became
Meat to every Beast of the Field because there was no Shepherd Neither did my Shepherds search for my Flock but the Shepherds fed themselves and fed not my Flock Ezek. â—4 2 3 8. Thus saith the Lord concerning the Prophets that make my people ERR that bite with their Teeth and cry PEACE and he that putteth not into their Mouthes they even prepare WAR against him The Heads thereof judge for Reward and the Priests thereof Teach for Hire and the Prophets thereof divine for Money yet will they lean upon the Lord and say Is not the Lord amongst us None Evil can come upon us Michah 3. 5 11. Q. These are plain Testimonies from the Prophets Are there none such from the Apostles A. Perverse Disputings of men of corrupt Minds and destitute of the Truth supposing that Gain is Godliness from such withdraw thy self But Godliness with Contentment is great Gain For we brought â—othing into the World and it is certain we can carry nothing out and having Food and Rayment let us therewith be content But they that will be Rich fall into Temptation and a Snare and into many foolish and hurtful Lusts which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition For the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil which while some coveted after they have erred from the Faith and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows 1. Tim. 6. 5 6 7 8 9 10. For Men shall be Lovers of their own selves Covetous Boasters Proud Blasphemers Disobedient to Parents Unthankful Unholy 2. Tim. 3. 2. For there are many unruly and vain Talkers and Deceiveâ—s especially they of the Circumcision whose Mouthes must be stopped who subvert whole Houses teaching things which they ought not for Filthy Lucre's sake Tit. 1. 10 11. But there were False Prophets also among the People even as there shall be False Teachers among you who privily shall bring in Damnable Heresies even Denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift Destruction And many shall follow their Pernicious Wayes by Reason of whom the Way of Truth shall be Evil spoaken of And through Covetousness shall they with feigned Words make Merchandize of you whose Judgment now of a long time lingereth not and their Damnation slumbreth not Having Eyes full of Adultery and that cannot cease from Sin beguiling unstable Souls an Heart they have exercised with Covetous Practices Cursed Children which have forsaken the Right Way and are gone astray following the Way of Balaam the Son of Bozor who loved the Wages of Unrighteousness 2 Pet. 2. 1 2 3 14 15. VVo unto them for they have gone in the VVay of Cain and run greedily after the Error of Balaam for Reward and perished in the Gain-saying of Corah These are Murmurers Complainners walking after their own Lustâ— and their Mouth speaketh Great Swelling VVords having men's Persons in Admiration because of Advantage Jude 11. 16. Q. Ought there to be any Order in the Church of God A. Let all things be done decently and in Order 1 Cor. 14. 40. Q. What Good Order is prescribed in the Church concerning Preachers Is it fit that only one or two speak or may more if moved thereto A. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by let the first hold his Peace For ye may all Prophesie one by one that all may learn and that all may be comforted And the Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets for God is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace as in all the Churches of the Saints 1 Cor. 14. 30 31 32 33. Q. Is there any Promise that Daughters as well as Sons shall Prophesie under the Gospel A. And it shall come to pass afterwards that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all Flesh and your Sons and your Daughters shall Prophesie your Old Men shall dream Dreams your Young Men shall see Visions Joel 2. 28. Q. Is that Promise fulfilled and to be fulfilled A. But this is that which was spoaken by the Prophet Joel And it shall come to pass in the last dayes saith God I will pour out of my Spirit upon all Flesh and your Sons and your Daughters shall prophesie and your Young Men shall see Visions and your Old Men shall dream Dreams Acts 16. 17. Q. Is there any such Instance of old in the Scripture A. And the same Man had four Daughters Virgins which did Prophesie Acts 21. 9. Q. But may all Women speak or are any commanded to keep Silence in the Church A. Let your Women keep Silence in the Church for it is not permitted unto them to speak but they are commanded to be under Obedience as also saith the Law And if they will learn any thing let them ask their Husbands at Home for it is a Shame for VVomen to speak in the Church 1 Cor. 14. 34 35. Let the Woman learn in Silence with all Subjection But I suffer not a VVoman to teach or usurp Authority over the Man but to be in Silence 1 Tim. 2. 11 12. Q. The first of these seems only to relate to Women that have Husbands What comes of them that have none The second speaks nothing of the Church but only that she ought not to usurp Authority over the Man Hath this no Limitation Doth not the same Apostle give Directions how Women that speak should behave themselves in the Church A. Every man Praying or Prophecying having his Head covered dishonoureth his Head But every Woman that Prayeth or Prophesieth with her Head uncovered dishonoureth her Head for that is even all one as if she were shaven 1 Cor. 11. 4 5. CHAP. X. Concerning Worship Question VVHat is the Worship that is acceptible to God A. But the Hour cometh and now is when the True VVorshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth Joh. 4. 23. 24. Q. Seeing Prayer is a Part of Worship when ought we to pray A. And he spake a Parable unto them to this End That Men ought alwayes to pray and not to faiâ—t Luke 18. 1. Pray without ceasing 1 Thes. 5. 17. Q. Doth God hear the Prayers of all that call upon him A. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in Truth Psal. 145. 18. For there is no Difference between the Jew and the Greek for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him Rom. 10. 12. Q. Hath God no respect to the Manner of Calling upon him A. The Lord is nigh to all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in Truth Psal. 145. 18. The Lord is far from the Wicked but he heareth the Prayer of the Righteous Prov. 15. 29. Now we know that God heareth not Sinners but if any Man be a Worshipper of God and doth his Will him he heareth John 9. 31.
go and gather them up But he said Nay lest whâ—le ye gather up the Tares ye root up also the Wheat with them Mat. 13. 27 28 29. Q. Doth he explain these Tares of the Wicked whom the Godly must not take upon them to cut off lest through Mistake they hurt the Good but leave it to God to do it by his Angels A. The Field is the World the good Seed are the Children of the Kingdom but the Tares are the Children of the Wicked One the Enemy that sowed them is the Devil the Harvest is the End of the World and the Reapers are the Angels As therefore the Tares are gathered and burnt in the Fire so shall it be in the End of this World The Son of Man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his Kingdom all things that offend and them which do Iniquity Mat. 13. 38 39 40 41. CHAP. XIV Concerning the Resurrection Question VVhat saith the Scripture of the Resurrection of the Dead A. And have Hope towards God which they themselves also allow that there shall be a Resurrection of the Dead both of the Just and Unjust Acts 24. 15. Q. To what different End shall the Good be raised from the Bad and how are they thereunto reserved A. Marvel not at this for the Hour is coming in the which all that are in the Graves shall hear his Voice and shall come forth they that have done Good unto the Resurrection of Life and they that have done Evil unto the Resurrection of Condemnation John 5. 28 29. But the Heavens and the Earth which are now by the same Word are kept in store reserv'd unto Fire against the Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men 2 Pet. 3. 7. Q. What must be answered to such as ask How the Dead are raised and with what Body A. Thou Fool that which thou sowest is not quickned except it dye and that which thou sowest thou sowest not that Body that shall be but bare Grain it may chance of VVheat or some other Grain But God giveth it a Body as it hath pleased him and to every Seed his own Body All Flesh is not the same Flesh but there is one kind of Flesh of Men another Flesh of Beasts another of Fishes and another of Birds there are also Celestial Bodies and Bodies Terrestrial but the Glory of the Celestial is one and the Glory of the Terrestrial is another there is one Glory of the Sun and another Glory of the Moon and another Glory of the Stars for one Star differs from another Star in Glory so also is the Resurrection of the Dead it is sown in Corruption it is raised in Incorruption it is sown in Dishonour it is raised in Glory it is sown in VVeakness it is raised in Power it is sown a Natural Body it is raised a Spiritual Body There is a Natural Body and there is a Spiritual Body 1 Cor. 15. 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44. Q. The Apostle seems to be very positive that it is not that Natural Body which we now have that shall rise but a Spiritual Body A. Now this I say Brethren That Flesh Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God neither doth Corruption inherit Incorruption Behold I shew you a Mystery We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed in a Moment in the Twinkling of an Eye at the Last Trump for the Trumpet shall sound and the Dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed For this Corruptible must put on Incorruption and this Mortal must put on Immortality So when this Corruptible shall have put on Incorruption and this Mortal shall have put on Immortality then shall be brought to pass the Saying that is written Death is swallowed up in Victory O Death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory 1 Cor. 15. 50 51 52 53 54 55. CHAP. XV. A Short Introduction to the Confession of FAITH HAving thus largely and evidently performed the chief Part of that which I promised in this Treatise in giving a full Account of our Principles in plain Scripture-words and also answering by the Scriptures the chief and main Objections made against us I come to a Confession of Faith in which I shall not be so large for that I judge it not convenient to make an Inter-repetition of all the Scriptures before-mentioned which if needful the Reader may easily observe were not very difficult to do But whereas a Confession of Faith calleth rather for an Affirmative Account of one's own Faith then for the Solution of Objections or any thing of Debate in a Discursive Way which is both more properly and pertinently performed in a Catechism therefore I have here only done so I am necessitate sometimes to intermix some words for coherence of the Matter as sometimes And and sometimes Therefore and the like but not such as any ingenous Person can affirm do add to the Matter or that may any wise justly be reckon'd a Comment or Meaning and therefore to avoid the Censure of the most Curious Carping Critieks these are marked with a different Character Likewise unless I should have ridiculously offered to publish incongruous Grammar there was a true Need sometimes to change the Mood and Person of a Verb in all which places whosoever will look to the words shall find it is done upon no Design to alter any whit the naked import of them as for instance where Christ sayes I am the Light of the World were it proper for me to write thus I am the Light c Or can it be reckoned any whit contradicting of my Purpose or Promise to write Christ is the Light where the first Person is changed to the third Also sometimes I express things which are necessarily understood as when any of the Apostles say We there instead of We I write Apostles and where they say You speaking to the Saints there I mention Saints instead of it for the Connexion of the Sentence sometimes requires it as in the first Article in mentioning that of 1 Joh. 1. 5. concerning God's being Light and in such like Cases which I know no impartial Reader would have quarrelled though wanting this Apology which I judged meet to premise knowing there is a Generation who when they cannot find any real or substantial Ground against Truth its Followers will he cavilling at such little Nicities therefore such may see this Objection is obviated CHAP. XVI A Confession of Faith Containing XXIII Articles ARTICLE I. Concerning GOD and the True and Saving Knowledge of him THere is one God Who is a Spirit And This is the Message which the Apostles heard of him and declared unto the Saints That he is Light and in him is no Darkness at all There are Three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these Three are One The Father is in the Son and the Son is in the
the Spirit for the Law of the Spirit of Life maketh free from the Law of Sin and Death For such are become dead unto Sin and alive unto Righteousness and being made free from Sin are become Servants of Righteousness Therefore ought we to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect For the Yoak of Christ is easie and his Burthen is light And his Commandments are not grievous And whosoever will enter into Life must keep the Commandments Hereby do we know that we know God if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a Lyar and the Truth is not in him Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him Let no Man deceive us he that doth Righteousness is Righteous even as he is Righteous He that committeth Sin is of the Devil whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin for his Seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God For not every one that saith Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of the Father which is in Heaven Circumcision is nothing and Uncircimcision is nothing but the keeping of the Commandments of God ARTICLE XV. Concerning Perseverance and Falling from Grace VVE ought to give Diligence to make our Calling and Election sure which things if we do we shall never fall For even Paul kept under his Body and brought it into Subjection lest by any Means when he preached to others he himself become a Cast-away Let us therefore take Heed lest there be in any of us an evil Heart of Unbelief in departing from the living God Likewise let us labour to enter into that Rest lest any Man fall after the same Example of Unbelief For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted of the Heavenly Gift and were made Partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted of the good Word of God and the Powers of the World to come if they shall fall away to renew them again unto Repentance For he that abideth not in Christ is cast forth and is withered Yet such as overcometh he will make as Pillars in the Temple of his God and they shall go no more out And these are perswaded that nothing shall be able to separate them from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus ARTICLE XVI Concerning the Church Ministry THe Church of God is the Pillar and Ground of Truth Whereof the Dear Son of God is the Head From which all the Body by Joynts and Bands having Nourishment ministred and knit together increaseth with the Increase of God Which Church of God is them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus Who when he ascended up on high gave Gifts unto Men And he gave some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry Who ought to be blameless vigilant sober of good Behaviour given to Hospitality apt to teach not given to Wine no Strikers not greedy of filthy Lucre but patient not Brawlers not covetous Lovers of good Men sober just holy temperate holding fast the faithful as they have been taught that they may be able by found Doctrine both to exhort and to convince Gain-sayers Taking heed to themselves and to the Flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them Overseers to feed the Church of God Taking the Oversight thereof not by Constraint but willingly not for filthy Lucre but of a ready Mind neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but as being Ensamples to the Flock And such Elders as rule well are to be counted worthy of double Honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine And to be esteemed very highly in Love for their Works sake As every Man hath received the Gift so ought the same to be ministred if any Man speak let him speak as the Oracles of God if any Man minister let him do it as of the Ability which God giveth Preaching the Gospel not with the Wisdom of Words lest the Cross of Christ be made of none Effect Nor yet with enticing Words of Man's Wisdom but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power that the Faith may not stand in the Wisdom of Men but in the Power of God Howbeit such speak Wisdom among them that are perfect yet not the Wisdom of this World nor of the Princes of this World which cometh to nought but they speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the World to their Glory VVhich things they also speak not in the Words which man's Wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth For it is not they that speak but the Holy Ghost of Spirit of the Father that speaketh in them Who if they sow spiritual things ought to reap carnal Things for so the Lord hath ordain'd that they â—hâ—ch preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel for the Scripture saith Thou shalt not muzle the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward Yet a Necessity is laid upon them yea VVo is unto them if they preach not the Gospel and their Reward is that when they preach the Gospel they make the Gospel of Christ without Charge Not coveting any Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel but their Hands minister to their Necessities that so labouring they may support the Weak remembring the VVords of the Lord Jesus how he said It s more blessed to give then to receive For they are not of the greedy Dogs that can never have enough Nor of the Shepherds that look to their own VVay every one his Gain from his Quarter That feed themselves and not the Flock That make the People err biting with their Teeth and crying Peace and preparing VVar against all such as put not in their Mouths teaching for Hire and divining for Money Nor yet of those which teach things which they ought not for fiâ—thy Lucres sake That run greedily after the Error of Baâ—aâ— for Reward loving the VVages of Unrighteousness And through Covetousness with feigned VVords making Merchandize of Souls Men of corrupt Minds destitute of the Truth supposing that Gain is Godliness But they know that Godliness with Contentment is great Gain and having Food and Rayment they are therewith content ARTICLE XVII Concerning Worship THe Hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him God is a Spirit and they which worship him must worship in the Spirit and in the Truth For the Lord is nigh to all them
a real Member of his Body and afterwards be cut off A. If any man abide not in me he is cast forth as a Branch and is withered Joh. 15. 6. Q. May a Righteous Man then depart from his Righteousness A. But when the Righteous Man turneth away from his Righteousness and commits Iniquity and dyeth in them for his Iniquity that he hath done shall he dye Ezek. 18. 26. 33. 13. Q. May a Believer come to such a Condition in this Life from which he cannot fall away A. Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out and I will write upon him the Name of my God and the Name of the City of my God which is New Jerusalem who cometh down out of Heaven from my God and will write upon him my New Name Rev. 3. 12. Q. May such an 〈◊〉 ome to be assured that he is in this Condition A. For I am perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor things present nor things to come nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8. 38 39. CHAP. IX Concerning the Church and Ministry Question WHat is the Church A. But if I tarry long that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to behave thy self in the House of God which is the Church of the Living God the Pillar and Ground of Truth 1 Tim. 3. 15. Q. Who is the Head of the Church A. VVho hath deliver'd us from the Power of Darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son and he is the Head of the Body the Church from which all the Body by Joynts and Bands having Nourishment ministred and knit together encreaseth with the Excrease of God 1 Coloss. 1. 3. and 2. 10. Q. What kind of Persons make the Church A. Them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus 1 Cor. 1. 2. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as shou'd be saved Acts 2. 47. Q. Hath not Christ appointed any Officers in the Church for the Work of the Ministry A. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led Captivity captive and gave Gifts unto Men and he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry for the Edification of the Body of Christ Eph. 4. 8 11 12. Q. What kind of Men should such as are Teachers and Overseers of the Church be A. A Bishop then must be Blameless the Husband of one Wife Vigilant Sober of good Behaviour given to Hospitality apt to teach not given to Wiâ—e no Striker not greedy of filthy Lucre but Patient Not a Brawlâ—â— not Covetous one that ruleth well his own House having his Children in Subjection with all Gravity for if a man know not how to rule his own House how shall he take Care of the Church of God not a Novice lest being lifted up with Pride he fall into the Condemnation of the Devil Moreover he must have a good Report of them which are without lest he fall into Reproach and the Snare of the Devil 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 4 5 6 7. For a Bishop must be Blameless as the Steward of God not Self-Will'd not soon Angry not given to Wine no Striker not given to Filthy Lucre but a Lover of Hospitality a Lover of good Men sober just holy temperate holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince the Gain-sayers Tit. 1. 7 8 9. Q. What is incumbent upon such to do A. Take heed therefore to your selves and to all the Flock over which the holy Ghost hath made you Overseers to feed the Church of God Acts 20. 28. The Elders which are among you I exhort who am also an Elder and a Witness of the Sufferings of Christ and also a Partaker of the Glory that shall be reveal'd Feed the Flock of God which is among you taking the Oversight thereof not by Constraint but willingly not for filthy Lucre but of a ready Mind neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but being Ensamples to the Flock 1 Pet. 5. 1 2 3. Q. Though they be not to Lord over the Flock yet is there not a Respect due to thâ—m in their Place A. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double Honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine 1 Tim. 5. 17. Q. Albeit then among true Christians every one that believeth is to have the Witness in himself being perswaded in himself by the Spirit yet is there not also a real Subjection to be to one another in the Lord A. The Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets 1 Cor. 14. 32. Obey them that have the Rule over you submit your selves for they watch for your Souls as they that must give Account that they may do it with Joy and not with Grief for that is unprofitable for you Heb. 13. 17. And we beseech you Brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you and to esteem them very highly in Love for their VVorks sake 1 Thes. 5. 12 13. Likewise ye younger submit your selves unto the Elder yea all of you be subject one to another and be cloathed with Humility for God resisteth the Proud and giveth Grace unto the Humble 1 Pet. 5. 5. Q. How ought true Teachers to minister in the Church A. As every Man hath received the Gift even so Minister the same one to another as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God If any speak let him speak as the Oracles of God If any Man minister let him do it as of the Ability which God giveth that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 4. 10 11. Q. I perceive then that every true Minister of the Church of Christ is to minister of the Gift and Grace of God which he hath received But some are of the Judgment that Natural Wisdom or Parts and human Learning are the Qualifications which are of absolute Necessity for a Minister but Grace they judge not to be so absolutely necessary but that one may be à Minister without it What saith the Scripture in this Case A. A Bishop must be Sober Just Holy Temperate Tit. 1. 7 8. Q. Methinks it is impossible for a Man to be Blameless Just Holy Sober and Temperate without the Grace of God So that if these Qualifications be absolutely necessary then surely that without which a man cannot be so qualified must be necessary also But what saith the Scripture as to the Necessity of Natural Wisdom and Human Learning A. Where is the Wise Where is the Scribe Where is the Disputer of this World Hath not God made foolish
And this is the Confidence that we have in him that if we ask any Thing according to his VVill he heareth us 1 Joh. 5. 14. Q. After whae Manner doth the Apostle then declare he will Pray A. What is it then I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with the Understanding also I will sing with the Spirit and I will sing with the Understanding also 1 Cor. 14. 15. Q. Must we then pray alwayes in the Spirit A. Praying alwayes with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit and VVatching thereunto with all Perseverance and Supplication for all Saints Ephes. 6. 18. Q. Since we are commanded to pray alwayes in it can we do it of our selves without the Help thereof A. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with Groanings which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the Hearts knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the Will of God Rom. 8. 26 27. Q. I perceive that without the Leadings and Help of the Spirit Prayers are altogether unprofitable may not a Man truly utter these Things that are Spiritual without the Spirit 's Assistance A. VVherefore I give you to understand that no Man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus Accursed and that no Man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12. 3. Q. That is strange It seems the Spirit 〈◊〉 much more necessary then many called Christistians suppose it to be some of which can scarce give a good Account whether they have it or want it But if a Man speak Things true upon the Matter are they not true as from him if spoaken without the Spirit A. And though they say The Lord liveth surely they swear falsly Jer. 5. 2. Q. It is apparent from all these Scriptures that the true Worship of God is in Spirit and as it is not limitted to a certain Place neither to any certain Time what shall we think of them that plead for the Observation of certain Dayes A. But now after that ye have known God or rather are known of God how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly Elements whereunto ye desire again to be iâ— Bondage Ye observe Dayes and Months and Times and Years I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed upon you Labour in vain Gal. 4. 9 10 11. Let no Man therefore judge you in Meat or Drink or in respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Day which are a Shadow of Things to come but the Body is of Christ Col. 2. 16 17. Q. Seeing it is so may not some Christians as lawfully esteem all Dayes alike as others may esteem some Dayes above another What Rule giveth the Apostle in this Case A. One Man esteemeth one Day above another another esteemeth every Day alike let every Man be fully perswaded in his own Mind He that regardeth a Day regardeth it unto the the Lord and he that regaâ—deth not the Day unto the Lord he doth not regard it He that eateth eateth to the Lord for he giveth God Thanks and he that eateth not to the Lord he eateth not and giveth God Thanks Rom. 14. 5 6. Q. But is it not convenient and necessary that there be a Day set apart to Meet and Worship God in Did not the Apostles aâ—d Primitive Christians use to meet upon the First Day of the Week to make their Collections and to Worship A. Now concerning the Collection for the Saints as I have given Order to the Churches of Galatia even so do ye upon the First Day of the Week Let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prosper'd him that there be no Gatherings when I come 1 Cor. 16. 1. CHAP. XI Concerning Baptism and Bread and VVine Question HOw many BAPTISMS are there A. One Lord One Faith One Baptism Ephes. 4 5. Q. What is the Baptism A. The like Figure whereunto even Baptism doth now save us not the putting away the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ who is gone into Heaven and is on the Right Hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 21 22. Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's Baptism how distinguisheth he it from his A. I indeed baptize you with Water unto Repentance but he that cometh after me is Mightier then I whose Shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Mat. 3. 11. Q. Doth not Christ so distinguish it also A. And being assembled together with them commanded them That they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he ye have heard of me For John truly baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many dayes hence Act. 1. 4. 5. Q. Doth not the Apostle Peter also observe this A. And as I begâ—n to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the Beginning Then remembred I the Word of the Lord how that he said John indeed baptized with Water but ye shall be baptiz'd with the Holy Ghost Acts 11. 15 16. Q. Then it seems John's Baptism must pass away that Christ's may take place because John must decrease that Christ may increase A. He must increase but I must decrease John 30. 30. Q. I perceive then many may be sprinkled with 〈◊〉 dipped baptized in Water yet not truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ What are the Real Effects in such as are truly baptized with the Baptism of Christ A. Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his Death Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom. 6. 3 4. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 2. 27. Buried with him in Baptism wherein also ye are risen with him through the Faith of the Operation of God who hath raised him from the Dead Col. 2. 12. Q. I perceive there was a Baptism of Water which was John's Baptism and is therefore by John himself contra-distinguished from Christ's Was there not likewise something of the like Nature appointed by Christ to his Disciples of eating Bread and drinking Wine in Remembrance of him A. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus the same Night in which he was betrayed took Bread when he had given Thanks he brake it and said Take eat this is my Body which is broken for you this do in Remembrance of me
After the same manner also he took the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood this do ye as oft as ye drink it in Remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25. Q How long was this to continue A. For as often as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye do shew the Lord's Death till he come 1 Cor. 11. 26. Q. Did Christ promise to come again to his Desciples A. I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Jesus answered and said unto him if a Man love me he will keep my Words and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our Abode with him Joh. 14. 18 23. Q. Was this an Inward Coming A. At that Day ye shall know that I am in my Father and ye in me and I in you Joh. 14. 20. Q. But it would seem this was even practised by the Church of Corinth after Christ was come in wardly Was it so that there were certain Appointments positivelycommanded yea and Zealously and Conscientiously practised by the Saints of Old which were not of perpetual Continuance nor yet now needful to be practised in the Church A. If then your Lord and Master have washed your Feet ye also ought to wash one another's Feet For I have given you an Example that ye should do as I have done to you Joh. 13. 14 15. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater Bâ—rden then these necessary Things that ye abstain from Meats offered to Idols and from Blood and from Things strangled and from Fornication from which if ye keep your selves ye shall do well farewell Acts 15. 28 29. Is any man sick among you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with Oyl in the Name of the Lord Jam. 5. 14. Q. These Commands are no less positive then the other yea some of them are asserted as the very Sense of the Holy Ghost as no less necessary then abstaining from Fornication and yet the Generality of Protestants have laid them aside as not of perpetual Continuance But what other Scriptures are there to shew that it is not necessary that of Bread and Wine to Continue A. For the Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink but Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14. 17. Let no Man therefore judge you in Meat or in Drink or in respect of an Holy Day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath Dayes Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the Rudiments of the World why as though living in the World are ye subject to Ordinances touch no taste not handle not which all are to perish with the Using after the Commandments and Doctrines of Men Col. 2. 16 20 21 22. Q. These Scriptures are very plain and say as much for the abolishing of this as to any Necessity as ought can be alledged for the former But what is the Bread then wherewith the Saints are to be nourished A. Then Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you Moses gave you not that Bread from Heaven but my Father giveth you the True Bread from Heaven for the Bread of God is he which comes down from Heaven and giveth Life unto the World Then said they unto him Lord evermore give us this Bread And Jesus said unto them I am the Bread of Life he that cometh to me shall never Hâ—â—ger and he that believeth on me shall never Thirst. I am that Bread of Life Your Fathers did eat Manna in the Wilderness and are Dead This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven that a man may eat thereof and not dye I am the Living Bread which came down from Heaven If any man eat of this Bread he shall live forever and the Bread that I will give him is my Flesh which I will give for the Life of the World The Jews therefore strove amongst themselves saying How can this man give us his Flesh to eat Then Jesus said unto them Verily verily I say unto you Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood ye have no Life in you Whoso eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood hath Eternal Life and I will raise him up at the Last Day For my Flesh is Meat indeed and my Blood is Drink indeed He that eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood dwelleth in me and I in him As the Living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me This is that Bread which came down from Heaven not as your Fathers did eat Manna are dead He that eateth of this Bread shall live forever John 6. 32 33 34 35 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58. CHAP. XII Concerning the Life of a Christian in general what and how it ought to be in this World Question VVHat is True RELIGION A. Pure Religion and Undefiled is this To visit the Fatherless and the Widdow in their Affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the World Jam. 1. 27. Q. What is required of man A. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love Mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Michah 6. 8. But to this man will I look even to him that is pure and of a contrite Spirit and trembles at my Word Isa. 66. 2. Q. Doth God then require People to be Quakers to tremble at his Word was there any such among the Saints of old A. Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the Words of the God of Israeal Ezra 9. 4. Now therefore let us make a Covenant with our God to put away all the Wives and such as are born of them according to the Counsel of my Lord and of those that tremble at the Commandment of our God Ezra 10. 3. Q. It seems Ezra loved well and had a high Esteem of Quakers since he would have their Counsel followed Do any other of the Prophets point out Quakers or Tremblers as God's People A Hear the Word of the Lord ye that tremble at his Word Your Brethren that hated you that cast you out for my Names sake said Let the Lord be glorified but he shall appear to your Joy and they shall be ashamed Isa. 66. 5. And it shall be to me a Name of Joy a Praise and an Honour before all the Nations of the Earth which shall hear all the Good that I do unto them and they shall fear and tremble for all the Goodness and for all the Prosperity that I procure unto it Jer. 33. 9. Q. The Prophets promise good Things there to Quakers what becometh of these that tremble not and are not such A. Hear now this O foolish People and without Understanding which have Eyes and see not which
your Parents in all Things for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers provoke not your Children to Anger lest they be discouraged Col. 3. 20 21. Q. What between Husbands and Wives A. Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord for the Husband is the Head of the Wife even as Christ is the Head of the Church and he is the Saviour of the Body Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing Husbands love your VVives even as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it so ought men to love their VVives as their own Bodies he that loveth his VVife loveth himself for this Cause shall a Man leave his Father Mother and shall be joyned unto his VVife aud they two shall be one Flesh Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so loye his Wife even as himself and the Wife see that she reverence her Husband Eph. 5. 22 23 24 25 28 31 33. Husbands love your VVives and be not bitter against them Col. 3. 19. Likewise ye VVives be subject to your own Husbands that if any obey not the word they also may without the word be won by the Conversation of the Wives while they behold your Chast Conversation coupled with Fear Likewise ye Husbands dwell with them according to Knowledge giving Honour unto the VVife as unto the weaker Vessel and as being Heirs together of the Grace of Life that your Prayers be not hindred 1 Pet. 3. 1 2 7. Q. What is the Armour of a true Christian and wherewith ought he to wrestle A. Put on the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the Wiles of the Devil for we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood but against Principalities against Powers against the Rulers of the Darkness of this World against spiritual VVickedness in high Places wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil Day and having done all to stand Stand therefore having your Loins girt about with Truth and having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness and your Feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace above all taking the Shield of Faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked One and take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Ephes. 6. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17. Q. What are Christians Weapons and for what End A. For though we walk in the Flesh we do not war after the Flesh for the VVeapons of our VVarfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong Holds casting down Imaginations and every high Thing that exalteth it self against the Knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10. 3 4 5. Q. Ought Strife and Envy to be among Christians A. VVho is a wise Man and endued with Knowledge amongst you Let him shew out of a good Conversation his Works with Meekness of VVisdom but if ye have bitter Envying and Strife in your Hearts glory not and lye not against the Truth This VVisdom descendeth not from above but is Earthly Sensual Devilish for where Envying and Strife is there is Confusion and every evil VVork but the VVisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable and easie to be intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace Jam. 3. 13 14 15 16 17 18. Ought Wars to be among Christians from whence proceed they A. From whence come Wars Fightings among you Come they not hence even from your Lusts that war in your Members Ye lust and have not ye kill and desire to have and cannot obtain ye fight and war yet ye have not because ye ask not Jam. 4. 1 2. Q. What saith Christ even of Defensive War A. But I say unto you that ye resist not Evil but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek turn to him the other also Mat. 5. 39. But I say unto you which hear Love your Enemies do Good to them which hate you bless them that curse you and pray for them which despightfully use you and unto him that smiteth thee on the one Check offer also the other and him that taketh away thy Cloak forbid not to take thy Coat also Luke 6. 27 28 29. Q. What say the Apostles A. Recompense to no man Evil for Evil Rom. 12. 17. Not rendring Evil for Evil or Railing for Railing but contrary-wise Blessing knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a Blessing 1 Pet. 3. 9. See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man but ever follow that which is Good both among your selves and to all men 1 Thes. 5. 15. Q. It was lawful of old to Swear and an Oath for Confirmation was to them an End of all Strife Is it not Lawful for Christians also to Swear A. Again ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time Thou shalt not forswear thy self but shalt perform unto the Lord thine Oathes But I say unto you Swear not at all neither by Heaven for it is God's Throne nor by the Earth for it is his Footstool neither by Jerusalem for it is the City of the great King neither shalt thou swear by thy Head because thou canst not make one Hair white or black but let your Communication be Yea Yea Nay Nay for whatsoever is more then these cometh of Evil Mat. 5. 33 34 35 36 37. But above all things my Brethren swear not neither by Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other Oath but let your Yea be Yea and your Nay Nay lest ye fall into Condemnation Jam. 5. 12. Q. Is it fit for Christians or Believers to receive Carnal and Worldly Honour one from another A. How can ye believe which receive Honour one of another and seek not the Honour that cometh from God only John 5. 44. Q. Doth God allow us to give flattering Titles to Men A. Let me not I pray you accept any Man's Person neither let me give flattering Titles unto Man for I know not to give flattering Titles in so doing my Maker would soon take me away Job 32 21 22. Q. What should we say to such as quarrel us for speaking proper sound Words as Thou to One You to Many which is Christ's and the Saints Language in the Scripture A. If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesom Words even the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness he is proud knowing nothing but doting about Questions and Strife of Words whereof cometh Envy Strife Railings Evil Surmisings 1 Tim. 6. 3 4. Hold fast the Form of sound Words which thou hast heard of me in Faith
Father No man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him The Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God For the Things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Now the Saints have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that they might know the things which are freely given them of God For the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father sends in Christ's Name he teacheth them all things and bringth all things to their Remembrance ARTICLE II. Concerning the Guide and Rule of Christians CHrist pray'd to the Father and he gave the Saints another Comforter that was to abide with them forever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not nor knoweth him but the Saints know him for he dwelleth with them and is to be in them Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God For this is the Covenant that God hath made with the House of Israel he hath put his Laws in their Mind writ them in their Hearts and they are all taught of God And the Anointing which they have received of him abideth in them and they need not that any man teach them but as the same Anointing teacheth them of all things and is Truth and is no Lye ARTICLE III. Concerning the Scriptures VVHatsoever things were written afore time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Which are able to make wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture being given by Inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be Perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works No Prophecy of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation for the Prophecy came not in old time by the Will of man but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost ARTICLE IV. Concerning the Divinity of Christ and his Being from the Beginning IN the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God the same was in the Beginning with God All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Whose Goings forth have been from of old from Everlasting For God created all things by Jesus Christ Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God And his Name is called Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Who is the Image of the Invisible God the First-born of every Creature The Brightness of the Father's Glory and the express Image of his Substance Who was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood and his Name is call'd The Word of God In him dwells all the Fulness of the God head bodily And in him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom Knowledge ARTICLE V. Concerning his Appearance in the Flesh. THe Word was made Flesh For he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham being in all things made like unto his Brethren Touched with a feeling of our Infirmities and in all things tempted like as we are yet without Sin He dyed for our Sins according to the Scriptures and he was buried and he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures ARTICLE VI. Concerning the End and Use of that Appearance GOD sent his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the Works of the Devil Being manifested to take away our Sins For he gave himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a Sweet-smelling Savour Having obtained Eternal Redemption for us And through the Eternal Spirit offered up himself without Spot unto God to purge our Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God He was the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World Of whom the Fathers did all drink for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that we should follow his Steps For we are to bear about in the Body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body being alway delivered unto Death for Jesus's sake that the Life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our Flesh That we may known him and the Power of his Resurrection and the Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable to his Death ARTICLE VII Concerning the Inward Manifestation of Christ. GOd dwelleth with the Contrite and Humble in Spirit For he hath said he will dwell in them and walk in them And Christ standeth at the Door and knocketh if any man hear his Voice and open the Door he will come into him and sup with him and he with him And therefore ought we to examine our selves and prove our own selves knowing how that Christ is in us except we be Reprobates For this is the Riches of the Glory of the Mystery which God would make known among or rather IN the Gentiles Christ Within the Hope of Glory ARTICLE VIII Concerning the New Birth EXcept a Man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God Therefore ought we to put off the Old Man with his Deeds and put on the New Man which is renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him and which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness For henceforth know we no man after the Flesh yea though we have known Christ after the Flesh yet now henceforth know we him no more For if any man be in Christ he is a new Creature old things are past away behold all things are become new For such have put on the Lord Jesus Christ And are renewed in the Spirit of their Minds Sith as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ Being born again not of corruptible Seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth abideth forever And glory in nothing save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ by whom the World is crucified unto them and they unto the World For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing nor Uncircumcision but a new Creature ARTICLE IX Concerning the Unity of the Saints with Christ. HE that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all
of one For by the exceding great and precious Promises that are given them they are made Partakers of the divine Nature Because for this Endprayed Christ that they all might be one as the Father is in him and he in the Father that they also might be one in them the Glory which he had gotten from the Father he gave them that they might be one even as the Father and he is one Christ in the Saints and the Father in Christ that they might be made perfect in one ARTICLE X. Concerning the Universal Love and Grace of God to all GOd so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Everlasting Life And in this was manifested the Love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son that we might live through him So that if any Man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous and he is the Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but also for the Sins of the whole World For by the Grace of God he hath tasted Death for every Man And gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due Time Willing all Men to be saved and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World through him might be saved And Christ came a Light into the World that whosoever believeth in him should not abide in Darkness Therefore as by the Offence of one Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation even so by the Righteousness of one the free Gift came upon all Men to Justification of Life ARTICLE XI Concerning the Light that enlighteneth every Man THe Gospel was preached to every Creature under Heaven Which Gospel is the Power of God unto Salvation to them that believe And if it be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine into them And this is the Condemnation that Light is come into the World and Men love Darkness rather then Light because their Deeds are Evil And this was the true Light which lightneth every Man that cometh into the World By which all things that are reproveable are made manifest for whatsoever maketh manifest is Light Every one that doth Evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reproved but he that doth Truth cometh to the Light that his Deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God And they that walk in the Light as Christ is in the Light have Fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth them from all Sin Therefore ought we to believe in the Light while we have the Light that we may be the Children of the Light Therefore to Day if we will hear his Voice let us not harden our Hearts For Christ wept over Jerusalem saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy Day the Things which belong unto thy Peace but now they are hid from thine Eyes And he would often have gathered her Children as a Hen gathereth her Chickens but they would not for the stiff-necked and uncircumcised in Heart and Ears do alwayes resist the Holy Ghost And are of those that rebel against the Light Therefore God's Spirit will not alwayes strive with Man For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of Men who hold the Truth in Unrighteousness Because what is to be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them And a Manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Man to profit withall For the Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared to all Men teaching us that denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World And this Word of his Grace is able to build up and give an Inheritance among all those that are sanctified For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper then any two-edged Sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of the Soul and Spirit and of the Joints and Marrow and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart This is that more sure Word of Prophecie whereunto we do well that we take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a dark Place until the Day dawn and the Day-Star arise in the Heart And this is the Word of Faith which the Apostles preached which is nigh in the Mouth and in the Heart For God who commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ But we have this Treasure in earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us for the Kingdom of God cometh not by Observation but is within us ARTICLE XII Concerning Faith and Justification FAith is the Substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen VVithout which is is impossible to please God Therefore we are justified by Faith which worketh by Love For Faith without Works being dead is by Works made perfect By the Deeds of the Law there shall no Flesh be justified Nor yet by the Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy we are saved by the VVashing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost For we are both washed sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God ARTICLE XIII Concerning Good Works IF we live after the Flesh we shall dye but if we through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Body we shall live For they which believe in God must be careful to maintain Good Works For God will render to every Man according to his Deeds according to his righteous Judgment to them who by patient Continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality Eternal Life For such are counted worthy of the Kingdom of God And cast not away their Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward Blessed then are they that do his Commandments that they may have Right to the Tree of Life and may enter in through the Gates into the City ARTICLE XIV Concerning Perfection SIn shall not have Dominion over such as are not under the Law but under Grace For there is no Condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after
Benefits or Advantages that accrew to one and all Such then cannot honestly lay claim to justifie their Principles and practices from the Scriptures But I leave these Straglers in Religion and come again to the divers Sects To begin with these that are most numerous I think I need not say much to the Papists in this Case for they do not so much as pretend to prove all their Dogmaes by the Scriptures sith it is one of their chief Doctrines That Tradition may Authorize Doctrines without any Authority of Scripture Yea the Council of Constance hath made bold to command things to be believed Non obstante Scriptura i.e. Though the Scriptures say the contrary and indeed it were their great Folly to pretend to prove their Doctrines by Scripture seeing the Adoration of Saints and Images Purgatory and Prayer for the Dead the Precedency of the Bishop of Rome the Matter of Indulgencies with much more Stuff of that kind hath not the least Shadow of Scripture for it Among Protestants I know the Socinians are great Pretenders to the Scriptures and in Words as much exalt them as any other People And yet its strange to see how that not only in many things they are not agreeable to them but in some of their chief Principles quite contrary unto it as in their Denying the Divinity of Christ which is as expresly mentioned as any thing can be And the Word was God Joh. 1. As also in Denying his Being from the Beginning against the very Tenour of that of John 1. and divers other as at large is shown in the third Chapter of this Treatiâ—e Divers other things as to them might be mentioned but this may suffice to stop their Boasting in this Matter The Arminians are not more successful in their Denying the False Doctrine of Absolute Reprobation and in Asserting the Vniversal Extent of Christ's Death for all then they are short in not placing this Salvation in that Spiritual Light where with man is enlightned by Christ but wrongously asscribing a Part of that to the Natural Will and Capacity which is due alone to the Grace and Power of God by which the Work is both begun carried on and accomplished And herein they as well as both the Socinians and Pelagians though they do well in Condemning their Errors yet they miss in setting up another and not the Truth in place thereof and in that respect are justly reproved by such Scriptures as their Adversaries who otherwise are as far wrong as they bring against them in shewing the Depravity of man's VVill by Nature and his Incapacity to do any Good but as assisted by the Grace of God so to do On the other hand It s strange to observe how many Protestants the first Article of whose Confession of Faith is to assert the Scripture to be the Only Rule should deny the Universal Extent of Christ's Death contrary to the express words of Scripture which saith He tasted Death for for every man or the Universality of Grace and a sufficient Principle which the Scriptures assert in as many positive words as except we may suppose the Pen-men intended another thing then they spoke it was possible to do viz. A Manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal The Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared unto all men and many more be ore-mentioned The like may be said of their denying the Perfection of the Saints and asserting the Impossibility of any falling away from real Beginnings of true and saving Grace contrary to so many express Scriptures as are heretofore adduced in their proper Place But to give all that defire to be undeceived a more full Oportunity to observe serve how the Devil has abused many pretending to be wise in making them cloak with a Pretence of Scripture false and pernicious Doctrines I shall take a few of many Instances out of the Confession of Faith and Catechism made by the Divines at Westminster so called because the same is not only most universally received and believed by the People of Britain and Ireland but also containeth upon the Matter the Faith of the French Churches and of most others both in the Nether-Lands and else-where that it may appear what wild Consequences these Men have sought both contrary to the naked Import of the words and to all common Sense and Reason to cover some of their Erroneous Principles CHAP. XVIII A Short Examination of some of the Scripture-Proofs alledged by the Divines at Westminster to prove divers Articles in their Confession of Faith and Catechism IT is not in the least my Design in this Chapter to offer so large an Examination of any of their Articles as might be done nor yet of so many as are very obvious but only of two or three to give the Reader a Taste of them for Example's sake whereby as ex ungue Leonem he may judge of most of all the rest if he will be at the pains narrowâ—ly to look over and examine them I shall begin with the first Chapter Sect. 1. where they assert two things First That God has committed his Will now wholely to writing Secondly That the former Wayes of God's revealing his Will as by Immediate Revelation are now ceased The Scriptures they bring to prove are first Prov. 22. 19 20 21. Vers. 19. That thy Trust may be in the Lord I have made known to thee this day even to thee Vers. 20. Have not I written to thee Excellent Things in Counsels Knowledge Vers. 21. That I might make thee know the Certainty of the Words of Truth that thou mightest answer the Words of Truth to them that send unto thee Luke 1. 3 4. Vers. 3. It seemed good to me also having had perfect Vnderstanding of all things from the very first to write unto thee in Order most excellent Theophilus that thou mightest know the Certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed Rom. 15 4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope Mat. 4. 4 7 10. But he answered and said It is written Man shall not live by Bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God 7. Jesus said unto him It is written again Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God 10. Then saith Jesus unto him Get thee hence Satan for it is written Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Isa. 8. 19 20. 19. And when they shall say unto you Seek unto them that have Familiar Spirits and unto Wizards that peep and that mutter Should not a People seek unto their God for the Living to the Dead To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no Light in them But is it not matter of Admiration that men should be so beside themselve as to imagine these